"The History Boys" serves its own lesson in how to make a quality film. Adapted from the Broadway show of the same name and featuring the show's original cast members, its style complements the narrative rather than serving its own purpose and thus emphasizes its rich, layered narrative. The story follows a class of England prep school students who have scored well enough on their exams to have a chance at being accepted to Oxford or Cambridge. Their favorite teacher, Hector (Richard Griffiths), teaches his classes and expresses his affection for the students in unorthodox manners. Since he does not prioritize being accepted to a prestigious university, the school's headmaster (Clive Merrison) hires a younger teacher, Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore), to help polish the students' applications in hopes of enhancing the school's reputation. Instead of an ensuing power struggle, however, the two teachers and students struggle together as they try and discern what is and what is not worth pursuing.

The film's only drawback is that its two-hour time frame does not allow it to flush out all the themes presented, thus leaving the audience craving more. The film's final scene demonstrates how Frances De La Tour receives far too little screen time as the one female teacher at the male dominated school. As a reflection on the relationship between education and reputation, "The History Boys" confidently tells its story without any missteps.

War Canoe Grade: A